LEO Science & Tech Hub, an R&D unit of LEO Pharma, has signed a collaboration agreement with Cambridge-based biotechnology company Elektrofi to explore advanced formulation technology for dermatological drug delivery.
“We are excited to announce this collaboration with Elektrofi to explore its innovative Elektroject™ process technology to increase our options in subcutaneous delivery of antibodies,” said Michael Sierra, Ph.D., VP of LEO Science & Tech Hub.
“Developing therapeutic solutions that are not only safe and effective but also convenient for patients with skin diseases is critical to improving patient experience and outcomes, which is a goal the Hub strives to achieve.”
Elektrofi leverages a novel therapeutic microparticle suspension system (Elektroject™) to engineer high-concentration, low-viscosity antibody formulations. While many antibody formulations become virtually unusable at high concentrations due to high viscosity, Elektroject™ suspensions result in antibody concentrations that are more than 15x the typically administered concentration without exceeding viscosity limits.
This enables healthcare professionals to subcutaneously administer high doses of antibody-based therapies in a relatively small volume within seconds.
“We want to create a paradigm shift in drug delivery to dramatically improve the lives of patients,” said Jason Norris, Co-Founder of Elektrofi.
“LEO Science & Tech Hub is a leader in accelerating precision medicine in dermatology, and we are delighted to enter this collaboration which will combine Elektrofi’s work in transforming drug delivery with the Hub’s expertise in dermatology.”
The LEO Science & Tech Hub is recognized for its unique collaborative approach of seeking cutting-edge technology for dermatological applications.
Within the first year of its launch, The Hub has successfully formed multiple collaborations to explore minimally invasive biomarker technologies, drug delivery technology, and advanced imaging technology with leading research institutes and biotechnology companies, including The Karp Lab, Novopyxis, and The Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital.